phew

Phew, that's over. The post Olympic glow. The Chinese are in the middle of an intense feeling of loss. Can't blame them really. Those Olympics must have been good for them. I enjoyed them too and was glued to the TV most evenings, cheering our guys on, and sometimes the little guy too. There were truly some great sporting moments in there, and I don't just mean watching Phelps or Bolt shatter records.

Now we're stuck with political broadcasts and fever. Wow, could that be a better juxtaposition? I really enjoy watching the crowds go nuts. I can't see the point, but it's fun to watch. The Clintons' speeches at the Democratic convention were pretty inspiring and Bill was on top form reframing and repositioning so many of the Republican's negative comments, before they've taken root in the minds of less attentive voters. Very skillful. I'd like to see what the Republicans have to offer to counter that. As Bill pointed out though, it'll probably be more of the same. It's a pity they are not as good at actually running a country as they are at campaigning. I would think that McCain's age will be a big issue. More so than Obama's relative youth or race. If people want to make race an issue, in these times, boy they were born 100 years too late. Get over it morons. Where as I don't, as a rule, trust politicians, or other snake oil sales men Obama seems like the better of the 2 options. And that's another question......why only 2 options? How democratic is that? "Vanilla or strawberry?" Er, no I'd like a chocolate with caramel swirl please. Give us more options paaaleeez.

now that's what I'm talking about

It's Olympic season, as if you didn't know. Despite the firm and stupid decision before the opening ceremony to not be totally sucked into watching them.....I was and am. Phelps and the magical duo of May/Walsh have my total and undivided attention and I find myself rooting for them on the edge of my seat every time they're competing. You've got to love a true champion after all. However, I've found particular and unexpected pleasure in watching competitors from other nations win too. The article really got to me. It's what the Olympics is all about.

'Thousands of Mongolians hit the streets of the capital to celebrate the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, offering vodka toasts, blaring their car horns and waving the nation’s flag from the city’s tallest buildings.

Fireworks exploded above Ulan Bator as revelers sang the national anthem after traditional wrestler Tuvshinbayar Naidan’s judo win on Thursday. Naidan, whose nickname is “Tuvshee,” beat Kazakhstan’s Askhat Zhitkeyev in the men’s 100-kilogram class.

“I can’t believe Mongolia just won a gold medal,” said Baljinnyam Dashdorj, 17, celebrating with relatives spanning three generations. “I can’t believe he did it. This is amazing. I’m so happy, I can only jump up and down!” '

Isn't that perfect! "This is amazing. I’m so happy, I can only jump up and down!" What a wonderful expression of what these games are about and the happiness they create. I also liked watching the Chinese diver, in her last competition and was cheering her on as she performed her last and perfect dive, to take the gold. You've got to love that! The Chinese underage gymnastics girls team though, well that's another story. But, boy, this just proves that if politicians keep their noses out, we really all DO get along.